isay weinfeld discusses jardim, his first building in new york

jardim is a condominium complex situated adjacent to new york’s high line, spanning from west 27th to 28th street. designed by acclaimed brazilian architect isay weinfeld, the development features two 11-storey towers that, between them, accommodate 36 residences — many of which have private external spaces that encourage outdoor living. situated at the heart of the project is a large, multi-level landscaped garden, from which the development takes its portuguese name. the 2,400 square foot (223 sqm) private park is framed by the distinctive towers, mirroring the natural landscape of the adjacent high line.

the development features two 11-storey towers that accommodate 36 residences
image by VUW studio (also main image)

the multi-level gardens have been conceived as a lush private wilderness of color and texture, featuring a canopy of native evergreens and fragrant flowering trees. located within the garden are lounge areas nestled between thickets of native ferns and grasses. this natural landscape is then interwoven into the entire development, as the two towers feature vegetation throughout their outdoor balconies and roof terraces.

a large, multi-level garden is positioned at the center of the site
image by VUW studio

‘jardim’, which is weinfeld’s first new york city building, is accessed via a dramatic private driveway running the length of the block-through development. the scheme has a full suite of amenities including an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a massage room. developed by centaur properties and greyscale development group, pricing is expected to start at $2 million USD with sales to begin imminently. the development has a scheduled completion date of 2017.

to understand more about ‘jardim’, we spoke with architect isay weinfeld who explained the project in more detail. read his thoughts below, and see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

weinfeld is also designing the building’s interiors
image by VUW studio

designboom: the project is called ‘jardim’, meaning ‘garden’. why is it so important to bring nature into a project located in a very dense urban environment?

isay weinfeld: I think it is the result of the way we put the two buildings inside the lot. then, we had some decisions according to the laws, according to the number of the apartments, the size, the high line, everything… we decided to have this very dense garden in the middle that would be at the back of the reception. you enter through this very long tunnel, and in the middle you have the reception that links both buildings. behind, you have all this garden. it creates many different feelings: you arrive into a very interesting space that has this trellis, where light is coming from behind. then you have the reception, and then this huge garden. that’s the way we tried to move people through the building.

large spans of glazing offer views across the cityscape
image by VUW studio

DB: your studio in são paulo has a roof top garden overlooking the city…

IW: in this project we have two!

DB: your projects have this very strong, clear architecture, and then you integrate the idea of ‘nature’ in a very expressive and organic way. it feels like a deliberate contrast between the garden and the building…

IW: exactly.

pricing per residence is expected to start at $2 million USD
image by VUW studio

DB: do you think that is something new york will appreciate, with people perhaps a little starved of nature?

IW: not particularly. my work has a lot of contrasts, it is not just about the materials, but I like architecture that is very simple, that doesn’t shout. the landscape is completely like you describe it — it is not something contemporary or modern where you have one piece here, one piece there. what I do, is to try and find comfort in architecture. I don’t like restaurants with food that you have one piece here and one there, that is not appealing to eat — it’s only visual. I like comfort food, and I like comfort architecture.

a fully-equipped kitchen with central island unit
image by VUW studio

DB: this is your first residential condominium in new york. how did the project come about?

IW: they called me — and I’m always sitting at my table with my telephone waiting for someone to call! for me, and I think for them also, you must have a strong relationship, because I don’t take many projects. I select very carefully, and I need to have 100% pleasure in what I am doing. it is mostly related to people, because you work for 3 or 4 years on a project. we met and we finally decided that we want to get ‘married’, and I think it is a good wedding!

the scheme also includes an indoor swimming pool and fitness center
image by VUW studio

DB: paulo mendes da rocha was recently awarded the golden lion for lifetime achievement at the venice biennale. do you think there has been a greater appreciation of brazilian architecture in recent years?

IW: I think in design, furniture, and art also. it is just a discovery, but we were there! the world has more eyes to see what we are doing, but I have been there — I am 63 years old and I am there in são paulo. I think it’s a phase. we have a very creative country, and I think it is also the way that people behave. brazil has happy people, very interesting, easygoing, warm people. I think it is a combination of many things, but it is a good thing!

residents are provided with secure parking amenities
image by VUW studio